The South Shore YMCA’s “Hope for the Holidays” adopt-a- child wish list program continues to be one of the most impactful ways the Y collaborates with the community to bring meaningful change. For over 25 years, the Y has called for donations of warm clothing, pajamas, toys, and gifts to fulfill the wish lists of local children whose families are struggling during the holiday season.
What began as a small group of teachers collecting toys for students in the basement of Quincy’s Snug Harbor Elementary School has blossomed into a vibrant, volunteer-driven operation that now provides gifts to hundreds of children across the South Shore.
“This is one of the most impactful things we do at the Y,” said Paul Gorman, President and CEO of South Shore YMCA. “We are the glue that binds all these people and organizations together to deliver joy to our community.”
This was another year of high enrollment for the program, with over 800 children registered to have their wish lists fulfilled. Thousands of donated gifts were collected across South Shore YMCA locations and sent to the Hale Family Y branch in Quincy. There, the Briggs Family Fieldhouse was transformed into the “North Pole,” where gifts were sorted and distributed to families across the region.
“Many families are having a tough time financially, especially at the holidays, so we’re serving more kids than ever before,” said Ella Saracco, Hope for the Holidays Coordinator. “Thanks to the help of our community partners and volunteers, we were able to provide for all these families this season.”
One such family is led by Mary, a resilient mother of three, who has been rebuilding her life after surviving domestic violence. “With the holidays approaching, she felt the financial strain of providing for her children until she discovered the Hope for the Holidays program. Supported by community donations, the program ensured her children received gifts and necessities. “This program saved my life,” Mary said through tears. “Without you, I wouldn’t have been able to give my kids gifts this year. Thank you for helping us through such a hard time.” Mary hopes to one day pay it forward, inspired by the community’s kindness.
Quincy Mayor Thomas Koch has been a longtime supporter of the program and its impact on the community. “When I think of what makes a complete community, a complete city,” shared the Mayor, “it would be hard to imagine a complete community without the YMCA.”
Barbara and Tom Moriarty, of Moriarty Bielan & Malloy LLC, sponsored their “$100 for 100” Interactive Giving Program for Children at Dick’s Sporting Goods on December 8, providing 100 local children with a $100 gift card to shop for items they want or presents for their loved ones. On December 9, at the South Shore Y Annual Meeting and Board Social, they were recognized for years of generous support and dedication to Hope for the Holidays.
Volunteers are the heart and soul of Hope for the Holidays. The Y relies on volunteers to help sort and distribute thousands of donated gifts. Many volunteers return year after year, bringing new faces to share in the experience.
“We can’t do it alone,” said South Shore YMCA Chief Development Officer, Mary Orne. “It is so moving to see how many volunteers and donors who come to us as adults were once children who received gifts as part of this program. They generously share their stories to inspire others and give back their time to the program because they know firsthand how life-changing it can be for a child to get gifts under the tree. The program truly gives hope.”
The South Shore YMCA thanks individuals from local businesses and corporations, South Shore Y members and staff, several local churches, and all other groups who spent their own time and money buying gifts and toys through the Adopt-a-Family program or from the Giving Tree program, along with the Quincy Police Department for hosting their annual Walmart Toy Drive.
“It amazes me how thankful and appreciative families are when picking up gifts for their children,” shared Saracco. “We have shown our community that we are always going to be there, and that’s what this is all about.”
To learn more about the South Shore YMCA Hope for the Holidays Program, visit ssymca.org/holidayhope.
